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No matter what is being measured, it is critical that the measuring instrument chosen be capable of providing an accurate and repeatable measurement of whatever needs measuring.  It sounds simple – – but isn’t.  In general, the larger the scale the less accurate an instrument becomes.  Let’s use weight as an example. Weighing devices come … Continued

There are many ways to de-ionize water.  Some are small and simple while others are large and complex.  The method used is determined by the volume of de-ionized water required and the desired purity.  This blog will explore some of the de-ionizing means used in facilities with typical needs for parts cleaning applications. Removal of … Continued

This blog explores some common mistakes made in the application of de-ionization hardware.  Although a properly engineered and installed de-ionization system will prevent these potential mistakes at the start, post-installation modifications by those less knowledgeable about de-ionizing technology don’t always respect good design practices. Temperature Limits – In general, de-ionization systems are not intended to … Continued

Lubricants and coolants are two of the most common contaminants requiring removal in industrial cleaning.  Understanding their basic nature and how they work may help lead to the solution of many cleaning problems Lubricants help prevent friction between two surfaces moving relative to one another by, in effect, providing a barrier between the two surfaces … Continued

In order for a lubricant or coolant to be effective it must possess the very properties that make it difficult to remove.  In industrial machining, stamping and metal forming applications, selecting lubricants and coolants wisely can greatly simplify cleaning processes required to remove them once these processes are complete. Effective lubricants must be able to adhere … Continued

“Vanishing Oils” are often considered as an alternative to more conventional lubricants in light duty stamping and forming operations.  The conception is that these formulations actually “vanish” eliminating the need for cleaning once there is no longer a need for lubrication.  True, depending on circumstances, they may reduce or eliminate the need for cleaning but in fact, … Continued

Cleaning, as we’ve all known it for years, is a matter of taking a “dirty” part and making it a “clean” part using whatever means is necessary and feasible.  Typically, the cleaning process involves mechanical removal of contaminants or the use of a chemistry to dissolve and dilute the contaminant.  In the case of an … Continued

Although, fortunately, we seldom encounter flammability issues in cleaning, it’s a good idea to be familiar with some of the terms like Upper and Lower Flammability and Explosive Limits for the sake of safety. In the preceding blog, it was explained that three things were needed to produce a fire – Fuel, Oxidizer, and a … Continued

The terms “flammable,” “inflammable,” and combustible all describe materials that will burn.  Semantics and nebulous definitions of each have led not only to a great deal of confusion over the years but, probably, to several unfortunate accidents.  In doing the research for this blog, I discovered that there is no simple and fast definition of … Continued

If you have worked around ultrasonic cleaning systems, you may have noticed that most of them are plastered with stickers warning against the use of flammable materials as cleaning agents.  To those who are not familiar with various ultrasonic phenomena, these warnings may seem a bit extreme.  In fact, however, flammable liquids may become even … Continued